Understanding Telemedicine Health Insurance- A Comprehensive Guide

Technological advancement has elevated all sectors, including the medical field. The impact can be seen everywhere, from advanced equipment and treatment procedures to telemedicine health insurance. Gone are the days when an in-person/ physical visit to a clinic or hospital was the only way of getting medical advice and treatment. Now, telemedicine features also let you seek the best medical treatments without leaving the comfort of your home.

The health insurance industry has also adjusted to the changing dynamics of modern medical practices. Telemedicine health insurance has become a popular health cover since it is a fast-growing feature. This article will discuss telemedicine plans and how they can benefit people.

What is Telemedicine?

The word telemedicine may give you an idea of its meaning. Simply put, healthcare provided over telecommunications is commonly referred to as telemedicine. The modern world's increasing use of telecommunications and the Internet has led to increased use of telemedicine, especially by people who may find it difficult to walk to a doctor for treatment.

Telemedicine encompasses medical treatment for non-emergency cases and those that don’t require meeting the medical professional in person. One of the leading and recent examples is the years of Covid-19. Telemedicine lets you perform all these without physical contact, from consultation to diagnosis to treatment options. However, it is essential to note that there may be better solutions for emergency cases than telemedicine, as it may require the doctor to check the patient in person.

Covid-19 and Telemedicine

Talking about telemedicine and recent advancements may only be complete with mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic. We can understand the importance of telemedicine plans with the example of COVID-19. The pandemic was traumatic for everyone around the globe. The rush in the hospital, overcrowded emergency rooms, lack of hospital beds, and haste of doctors in doing their best for hundreds of patients are just a few to mention. In such a time, telemedicine has played an impressive role.

Not all patients suffering from COVID-19 require hospitalisation. Most needed medicines and quarantine care. Because COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, telemedicine helped people stay in home isolation and receive the best treatment.

Through telemedicine, people can connect with their doctors via calls, video calls, text messages, emails, etc. and get the required treatment without meeting them in person. This not only helps avoid the rush in the hospital but also limits the exposure to contagious diseases that may have happened during the patient's hospital visits.

Does Health Insurance Cover Telemedicine?

Medical expenses and consultation costs are on a constant rise. As is commonly known, health insurance covers hospitalisation, daycare, OPD expenses, etc., but is telemedicine covered by insurance? This is a common query one may have owing to the rising popularity of telemedicine services.

Telemedicine falls under the category of OPD (Out-Patient Department) cover. This means that a health insurance policy covering out-patient costs also covers telemedicine. Depending on your chosen health insurance plan and the OPD limit of the plan, the coverage may differ. Considering the transforming world of healthcare services and the need for social distancing during pandemic-like situations, it is best to have health insurance that covers telemedicine health insurance as well.

Health Insurance with Telemedicine Plans

Care Health Insurance offers various comprehensive health insurance plans that include OPD cover. So, you no longer have to seek telemedicine without insurance. Outpatient departments can be additional coverage in some health plans, while some may include them as the base plan. When you purchase the plan, your health insurance expert will guide you through the details.

For your reference, here are a few examples of plans with cover for telemedicine. Examples of Care Health Insurance telemedicine cover are:

1. Care Classic Health Insurance

Care Classic, the zone-based health plan, covers the OPD features including:

• The sub-limit range of up to ₹10,000
• The OPD cover of Care Classic includes prescribed diagnostics and doctor's consultations.

2. Care Advantage Health Insurance

With a high sum insured ranging from ₹25 lakhs to ₹6 crores, Care Advantage includes telemedicine. Under the OPD cover in Care Advantage, you get the following:

• Coverage for up to 14 specialist OPD consultations
• The policyholder can raise multiple consultation claims for telemedicine plans

3. Care Cancer Mediclaim

Designed specifically for the needs of cancer fighters, Care Cancer Mediclaim offers a sum insured ranging from ₹10 lakhs to ₹2 crores. The plan includes consultations over calls and via the Internet.

4. Care Supreme Health Insurance

Care Supreme offers sum insured ranging from ₹7 lakh to ₹1 crore. OPD coverage of Care Supreme Health Insurance includes consultations from 14 specialities and multiple consultation claims that can be annually.

These are just a few plans to mention. Care Health Insurance offers a range of health plans. Choose your ideal plan and get covered for expenses incurred on telemedicine without any hassle.

>> Also Read: Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care: What Your Health Insurance Covers?

Benefits of Telemedicine

Seeking virtual treatment and telemedicine health insurance can benefit people in various ways. Here are some of the benefits of telemedicine:

• Reach your preferred doctor online/on call without easily
• People living in rural or poor road connectivity areas can also seek quality medical care via telemedicine
• You can connect with your doctor within a few taps and without hassle. All you need is a mode of telecommunication
• Avoiding physical contact can keep both parties from the risk of contagious diseases
• Follow-ups become more accessible through telecommunication medical services
• Telemedicine avoids unnecessary crowds in the hospital and, thus, paving ways and space in hospitals for those in need.

Government Steps Towards Telemedicine Healthcare

The government of India has also taken steps to improve telemedicine. In 2005 the Health Ministry of India set up the National Telemedicine Taskforce. The taskforce introduced successful projects like ICMR-AROGYASREE, NeHA, and VRCS. The government has also taken initiatives to increase awareness and doctor education about telemedicine healthcare.

In a Nutshell!

Telemedicine can be a breakthrough for upcoming health challenges. It can help healthcare departments and individuals cut unnecessary healthcare expenses, such as hospital rush and travel expenses. Telemedicine health insurance is yet another step the health insurance sector has taken in encouraging telemedicine services and treatment.

Care Health Insurance gives you much-needed OPD coverage under your preferred health insurance plans. You can relax, take advantage of health insurance features, and get medical assistance from anywhere without any limitations of travelling to the clinic. Connect with your doctor via telecommunications and get your non-emergency cases treated without any trouble.

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.